Dan Brown: The Lost SymbolHis newest novel is full of spiritual truths, historical facts, and information about our nation's forefathers, many of whom were members of the Masons. An exciting story even if there are some gaps in logic that left me shaking my head. He's not the best writer, but he does a lot of research into his subject matter.

Patricia Panahi: God Outside the Box: A Story of Breaking FreeI enjoyed Patricia's book and related to her spiritual quest and exploration of many different paths, religions and beliefs. The daughter of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, Patricia grew up in Iran and later came to the United States, where she began her quest to find God "outside the box". From rebirthing to shamanism,Hinduism to metaphysics, I felt like I was reliving my own spiritual journey. Patricia explores many concepts and ideas in her book, such as synchronicity, reincarnation, and sacred contracts. I was never bored. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I'm now looking forward to her next book

Deepak Chopra: The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot IgnoreThe Jesus that Chopra presents to us is a teacher of God consciousness and a walking example of one who lived in this state of consciousness. I most resonate with this Jesus and even those who do not see themselves as Christians will be inspired and fed by the teachings of Jesus as they are presented by Chopra.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray LoveA delightful memoir about Gilbert's one-year sabbatical following her divorce. She seeks to find pleasure again in Italy, to find God in an ashram in India, and balance in Indonesia learning from an old medicine man. A spiritual journey (and, in the end, a love story) that is fun, humorous and wonderfully told.

Byron Katie: Loving What IsThis book gives you the key to unlocking the door that can lead to a life of inner peace and joy. If everyone in the world would read this book there would be no more war.

Charles Fillmore: Metaphysical Bible DictionaryBased on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this book provides the esoteric meanings of words, names and places. A valuable resource for all Bible students who want to delve into metaphysical interpretation of scripture.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Amunition

"If you can't convert them, kill them," seems to be the motto in the new "Christian" video game "Left Behind:Eternal Forces".

I confess that I have not played this video game. I have only read reviews of it, and what I've read is disturbing.

The video game is based on the extremely successful "Left Behind" series of books by Tim LeHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

The premise for the game is that the player becomes one of those "left behind" in New York after the "rapture". He or she is fighting the evil forces of the Antichrist (Satan), which interestingly enough is called the "Global Community Peacekeepers" in the game.

For those of you who are not familiar with the rapture, it is based on the Greek term of 1Thessalonians 4:17- "harpagesometha" which means to be "caught up". Some Christians believe that when Jesus Christ returns for the second time, he will snatch up the believers and rescue them from this earth before the end of the world. This concept comes from the apostle Paul and not Jesus Christ.

From what I have read about this video, it is violent; there is bloodshed and killing; and the general idea is that those who are not with us (don't believe as we do) are against us and therefore should be destroyed.

Is this the kind of attitude that we want to encourage in our children? The developers of this game have called it "inspirational". Since when is killing those who disagree with your religious beliefs inspirational?

The message communicated by this game is divisive, prejudiced and will only serve to further create a sense of religious superiority which has already exists in the religious right.

As I already mentioned, the Antichrist in the game is called the "Global Community Peacekeepers". If you think this sounds like a thinly disguised name for the United Nations, you are right. Why would the creators of this video game want to portray the United Nations as the evil Antichrist? That is another story.

For now, let me just say that this is not a video game that I, as a Christian minister, would want to see in the hands of any child. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a child or even a teenager, I encourage you to look elsewhere.

Jesus was known as the "Prince of Peace". He taught us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. He did not teach us to kill those who disagree with us or who are not of our religion.

I have selected photographs that make me smile and brighten my day. I hope they will do that for you as well. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view. I invite you to visit often and see what I add to my collection.